Materials for embalming human corpses



P 19, 1961 A. E. LANDAU ETAL 3,000,782

MATERIALS FOR EMBALMING HUMAN CORPSES Filed April 18, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet l O In h I P u z LIJ l 5 3 8 Z In 8 l O O 2 LU I o o 8 0 I0 I Q I I I z m N INVENTORS. Q ARGO E. LANDAU EUGENE c. ROBERTS 1% BY & o JOSEPH A. ZEILMANN U) 2 E ATTO.RNEY 7 Sept. 19, 1961 A. E. LANDAU ETAL 3,000,782

MATERIALS FOR EMBALMING HUMAN CORPSES Filed April 18, 1958 ABSORPTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WAVE LENGTH r) ARGO LANDAU FIG. 3

EUGENE c. ROBERTS BY &

JOSEPH A. ZEILMANN 7 ATTOFIINEY Z Sept. 19, 1961 A. E. LANDAU ET AL MATERIALS FOR EMBALMING HUMAN CORPSES Filed April 18, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 2 ATTORNEY Z 3,000,782 MATERIALS FOR EMBALMING HUMAN CQRPSES Argo E. Landau, Westwood Village, Mo., Eugene Q.

Roberts, Belleville, Ill., and Joseph A. Zeilmann, Hillsdale, Mo., assignors to Royal Bond, Inc, St. Louis,

Mo., a corporation of Missouri Filed Apr. 18, 1958, Ser. No. 729,445 23 Claims. (Cl. 16749.5)

This invention relates in general to certain new and useful improvements in methods and materials for embalming human corpses.

In embalming a body, it is conventional and, in fact, essential to replace the blood and body fluid, as completely as possible, With an embalming fluid, containing powerful preservatives. Accordingly, embalming fluid is pumped into the arteries, veins, and infused into the tissues. Obviously, it is desirable, when the embalming process is concluded, that the body have a natural lifelike appearance, but the removal of blood and body fluids from the tissue materially changes the color and tone of the flesh. Consequently, cosmetics are frequently applied to offset or hide these color changes, but cosmetics, such as face powder, pancake make-up, rouge, lipstick, and the like, are easily detected even when most skillfully applied and, particularly in the case of male corpses, lend a more unnatural, rather than more natural, appearance to the body. This fact has led manufacturers of embalming fluid to add various red dyes, such as eosin and the like, to embalming fluids, with the result that most embalming fluids currently on the market have a pink or reddish tinge. This expedient, however, has not been successful to any marked degree. Bodies embalmed with such fluids still have a waxy pallid appearance and undertakers still must rely heavily upon the use of cosmetics. Furthermore, the artificial colorations thus induced vary widely with diflerent skin textures and pigmentation. Embalming fluids which produce somewhat beneficial results in blond people may produce wholly unnatural or ofi-color effects in brunette people and nothing seems to help colored people. The bodies of Negroes and Orientals seem to take on a greyish pallor that cannot be dissipated by any presently available means.

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide an embalming fluid which, when injected into a corpse, will impart to the flesh a Warm roseate appearance practically identical with that of a living person.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an embalming fluid which will restore natural life-like color to the embalmed body regardless of skin texture, skin pigmentation, or racial color characteristics thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an embalming fluid of the type stated which is relatively economical and easy to use, requiring no unusual or unfamiliar equipment equipment or mortuary techniques.

With the above and other objects in view, our invention resides in the novel means and processes presently described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawing- FIG. 1 is an absorption spectrum curve typical of hemoglobin; and

FIGS. 2, 3, 4., and 5 are graphs showing various absorption spectrum curves characteristic of embalming fluids.

Broadly speaking, the present invention resides in the discovery that natural human blood and, more particularly, hemoglobin has a compound color characteristic which is shown by a unique form of absorption spectrum tart curve. In other words, by plotting the amounts of various wave lengths of light which are absorbed by hemoglobin within the visible range (disregarding the extreme reds and violet wave lengths as to which the absorption by hemoglobin is neglible), as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to arrive at a curve which has a unique and unexpected configuration in that it follows a sinuous form rather than the form of an inverted parabola common to most dyestuffs. Consequently, the present invention resides in introducing into the arterial, venous, and capillary system of a corpse an embalming fluid having an absorption spectrum curve closely matching that of hemoglobin.

To achieve this result, it was found necessary to utilize a blend of dyestuffs which produced such a curve in the wave band of 4500 to 5700 A. and, moreover, were chemically compatible with each other and with conventional embalm-ing reagents, such as formaldehyde and the like. Furthermore, the dyes used must of necessity be highly stable, insensitive to light, and resistant to oxidation. Accordingly, it has been found that an embalming fluid containing a blend of certain reds and yellow dyes will have an absorption spectrum curve closely matching that of natural hemoglobin as shown in FIG. 2.

By way of illustration and not by way of limitation, the following are examples of the present invention:

Example I Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol d0 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do-. 1.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Water d 22.5 Rose bengale grarns 10.5 Erythrosine do-- 2.6 Tartrazine do 26.4

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 2.

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 2.

Example 111 Formalin pounds 675 Propyleneglycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Water do.. 22.5 Rose bengale grams 10.5 Erythrosine do- 2.6 Tartrazine do 26.4 Metanil yellow do 3.5

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 2.

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 3.

Example V Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Rhodarnine B grams 5.2 Tartrazine do.. 13.2 Metanil yellow do 14 The absorption spectrum curve for this embalmiug fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 3.

Example VI Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol d 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Rose bengale grams 10.5 Erythrosine do 2.6 Naphthol yellow d0 22.8 Metanil yellow do 3.5

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 3.

Example VII Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A200 do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Rhodamine B grams 4.4 Tartrazine do 26.4

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 4.

Example VIII Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-200 ..do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Rose bengale grams 13.2 Naphthol yellow do 26.2

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 4.

ExampleX Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do. 2.0 Versene 67 ..d0 1.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Erythrosine grams 13.2 Naphthol yellow do 264 The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 5.

Example XI Formalin pouuds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do. 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-2OO do 1.0 Water do- 22.5 Erythrosine grams 13.2 Tartrazine do 26.4

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 5.

Example XII Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do. 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-20O do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Erythrosine grams 13.2 Sunset yellow do 19.8

The absorption spectrum curve for this embalming fluid is graphically represented in FIG. 5.

Other embalming fluids coming within the scope of, and illustrating, the present invention are as follows:

Example XIII Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate do 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A200 do 1.0 Water do 22.5 Rose bengale grams 13.2 Tartrazine do 26.4

Example XIV Formalin "pounds" 67.5 Propylene glycol do 6.0 Sodium borate "do.--" 2.0 Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-200 do 1.0 Water 22.5 Rose bengale grams 13.2 Sunset yellow do 8.8 Metanil yellow do 14 Example XV Formalin pounds 67.5 Propylene glycoL o 6.0 Sodium borate do.. 2.0 'Versene 67 do 1.0 Antarox A-200 d 1.0 Water dn 22.5 Erythrosine grams 13.2 Metanil yellowdo 17.6

Example XVI Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do Sodium borate do Versene 67 o Antarox A-200 do Water Rhodamine B r m Azosol yellow do Example XVII Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do Sodium bor dfl Versene 67 do Antarox A-20O do Water do Rose bengale grams Metanil yellow do Example XVIII Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do Sodium borate do. Versene 67 o Antarox A-200 do Water do Rhodamine B grams Erythrosine do Metanil yellow do Example XIX Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do.. Sodium borate do Versene 67 do Antarox A-200 do Water do Rhodamine B; grams Erythrosine do Azosol yellow do Example XX Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do Sodium borate do Versene 67 do Antarox A-200 do Water do.. Rhodamine B grams Metanil yellow do Example XXI Formalin pounds Propylene glycol do- Sodium borate do Versene 67 do Antarox A-200 do Water do Rose bengale grams Azosol yellow do Example XXII Formalin "pounds" Propylene glycol do Sodium borate do Versene 67 do Antarox A-2OO do Water do Rose bengale grams Erythrosine do Metanil yellow do Example XXIII Experimentation with the foregoing Examples XIII to XXIII, inclusive, has shown that such embalming fluids have optical properties comparable with those of the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, inclusive.

In the foregoing examples, Versene 67 is a trademark for tetra sodium salt of ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid which is a commonly used sequestering agent. imilarly, Antarox A-2OO is a trademark for an aromatic polyglycol ether and is a commonly used non-ionic detergent or surfactant. A number of commercially available sequestering agents and non-ionic detergents were tested and found to produce equally satisfactory results. For instance, sodium lauryl sulphate may be used instead of Antarox A-200. There seems to be nothing critical about the sequestering agent and non-ionic detergent used.

Embalming fluids made in accordance with the present invention may be introduced into the corpse in any conventional manner with standard mortuary instruments and techniques. Furthermore, it has been found that embalming fluids made in accordance with the present invention are virtually universal in that such fluids can be used for bodies of all different types and racial color characteristics with equally beneficial effect. No matter whether the deceased was of the Caucasian, Negro, red, or yellow race, the appearance of the flesh after embalming will be warm-colored and life-like and there will be no waxy or greyish death-pallor.

It should be understood that changes in the methods, compositions, and combinations above set forth may be made without departing from the nature and principle of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An embalrning fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 40 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 10 grams of rose bengale, 3 grams of erythosine, and 26 grams of tartrazine.

2. An emblaming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 37 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 3 grams of erythrosine, 20 grams of sunset yellow, and 4 grams of metanil yellow.

3. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 44 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 11 grams of rose bengale, 3 grams of erythrosine, 26 grams of tartrazine, and 4 grams of metanil yellow.

4. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 35 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale, 13 grams of tartrazine, and 9 grams of metanil yellow.

5. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 32 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 5 grams of rhodamine B, 13 grams of tartrazine, and 14 grams of metanil yellow,

6. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 41 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 11 grams of rose bengale, 3 grams of erythrosine, 23 grams of naphthol yellow, and 4 grams of metanil yellow.

7. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 30 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 4 grams of rhodamine B and 26 grams of tartrazine.

8. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 39 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale and 26 grams of naphthol yellow.

9. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 33 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale and 20 grams of sunset yellow.

10. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 40 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of erythrosine and 27 grams of naphthol yellow.

11. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 39 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of erythrosine and 26 grams of tartrazine.

12. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 33 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of erythrosine and 20 grams of sunset yellow.

13. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 40 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale and 26 grams of tartrazine.

14. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 36 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale, 9 grams of sunset yellow and 14 grams of metanil yellow.

15. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 30 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of erythrosine and 17 grams of metanil yellow.

16. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 28 grams oii a blood-simulative coloring material per pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 4 grams of rhodamnie B and 24 grams of azosol yellow.

17. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 31 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale and 18 grams of metanil yellow.

18. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 24 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pound of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 3 grams of rhodamine B, 3 grams of erythrosine and 18 grams of metanil yellow.

19. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 30 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 3 grams of rhodamine B, 3 grams of erythrosine and 24 grams of azosol yellow.

20. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 22 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 4 grams of rhodamine B and 18 grams of metanil yellow.

21. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 37 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring matereial consisting of a blend of approximately 13 grams of rose bengale and 24 grams of azosol yellow.

22. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 31 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 10 grams of rose bengale, 3 grams of erythrosine and 18 grams of metanil yellow.

23. An embalming fluid containing a tissue preservative agent and approximately 32 grams of a blood-simulative coloring material per 100 pounds of fluid, said coloring material consisting of a blend of approximately 3 grams of rhodamine B, 3 grams of erythrosine and 26 grams of naphthol yellow.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Thor Sept. 5, 1950 OTHER REFERENCES 

1. AN EMBALMING FLUID CONTAINING A TISSUE PRESERVATIVE AGENT AND APPROXIMATELY 40 GRAMS OF A BLOOD-SIMULATIVE COLORING MATERIAL PER 100 POUNDS OF FLUID, SAID COLORING MATERIAL CONSISTING OF A BLEND OF APPROXIMATELY 10 GRAMS OF ROSE BENGALE, 3 GRAMS OF ERYTHOSINE, AND 26 GRAMS OF TARTRAZINE. 